Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has ordered the immediate closure of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market popularly called Bakasi Market in Aba the commercial nerve centre of the state.
A statement signed by the Chief of staff to the governor, Chief Anthony Agbazuere, disclosed the order followed an unwarranted attack on men of the Abia State Fire Service and the destruction of its vehicles.
The statement also announced the suspension of the Chairman and all members of the Industrial Market Management Committee.
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The governor, according to the statement, also ordered the Police and other security agencies to safeguard the market and arrest all perpetrators of the illicit acts for consequential prosecution.
The statement, titled ‘Government Special Announcement, read: “Following the unwarranted attack of men of the Abia State Fire Service and the destruction of Abia State Fire Service vehicles, the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D has approved the immediate closure of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market popularly called Bakasi Market, Aba.
“The Chairman and all members of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market Management Committee are hereby suspended.
“The Police and other security agencies are to safeguard the market and equally arrest all perpetrators of the illicit acts for consequential prosecution.”